Abstract

Introduction

Wedged shoe insoles are used as a treatment for different problems in order to change the ground reaction force. They can secondary cause different loading patterns under the foot compared to normal. No previous study has, to the author’s knowledge, clinically evaluated the plantar foot pressure with different full-length wedges in normal persons.

Purpose

The purpose was to evaluate the plantar pressure with different degrees of full-length wedges in normal persons.

Method

Twenty persons with normal feet have participated in this single blind study. Wedges were produced clinically in four different shapes, 3° valgus, 0° flat, 3° varus och 6° varus. The test persons were told to walk with the wedges in their comfortable pace in a randomized order. The plantar pressure was measured in the medial and lateral heel as well as in the first and fifth metatarsal head.

Results

The results show significant increased mean pressure for varus wedges compared to flat as well as valgus wedges, in the area of the medial heel and first metatarsal joint. Also, valgus wedges show significant increased mean pressure compared to flat condition in area of the medial heel. There is no correlation between wedge height and mean pressure for any of the wedge conditions.

Conclusion

Treatment with wedges leads secondary to increased mean pressure for varus wedges compared to flat as well as valgus wedges, in medial heel and first metatarsal joint. Furthermore, valgus wedges show increased mean pressure compared to flat condition in medial heel. Patients sensitive to high plantar pressures in these areas should be treated with caution.  Further studies are recommended.